Close To You

como no escuche esto antes

light and dreamy. so wonderful

Her voice always brings a tear to my eye... an angel! In this album, I particularly like the Beatles covers and of course, We've Only Just Begun, a great classic! 5 stars.

I’ve never sat and listened to a Carpenters album. I’m more familiar with some of these songs than I thought I’d be. I knew I’d get some lush vocal layers, harmonies and piano and this album delivered for sure. I was surprised by some really great drum, percussion, and symphonic compositions. All around this album was recorded and mixed really well. The song selection was quite impressive too, picking songs that were familiar but that gave the Carpenters a chance to make them their own. The “Help” cover really floored me. Not very often that a Beatles cover actually competes with the original. The original songs on here are excellent too. This was an easy 5 for me.

I really liked this. It's so....beautiful and calming and just lovely. Just an album of lovely bangers. It put me in a really good mood, on a day when I needed that extra support :)

This’ll be a 5. It’s a 5. I had 6 of the 12 songs already in my playlist. I fucking love Carpenters it makes me sick. You gotta be in the right mood, but they’ll get you in there quick. What a gift was Sweet Karen.

Still one of my favourite albums of all times. One of the world's most underrated female drummers and so sad we lost her so soon.

yearnville. album of yearn city. yearn valley. for the yearners, for the lovers. for those who have ached before in the longing of another.

I really enjoyed this album!! 5/5 Karen Carpenter's vocals are beautiful, and the whole album is genuinely enjoyable to listen to. 8.96/10

Absolutely stunning. Sure sometimes the instrumentation is pretty dated, but come on. Those vocals are a masterclass.

I’ve heard Carpenters before but this is much better than expected. Much calmer than expected on a day I needed calm and the first few songs immediately are fire. Kinda love this.

Actually bought the vinyl because this was so good

... im with G.S. on this... I knew this a would polarise the posse. :-) Perfect music for blissing out on a soothing velvet female voice, and also great for annoying punk rockers (it may well help blow the heads off aliens too). .

When I was 11 the only thing that stopped me thinking about the Eastern Suburbs Roosters and Olivia Newton John (in that order) was the sound of Karen Carpenter's voice. To this day it stops me in my tracks. Richard got her close to the mic and it provided an intimacy and warmth that is unsurpassed. His other genius was the selection of songs and the fantastic arrangements. A great Fab cover, Tim Hardin and probably a rival to Aretha for the greatest Hal/Burt cover of all time, what's not to love. In keeping with this crazy process, I'd be a happy man if I died listening to Karen Carpenter's voice.

1970 California

Sheet talent here. From covers to originals, this album is iconic

Love this great music.

Soft rock, but really good. Wonderful voices and the songs were beautiful and interesting.

Ovaj bend je ne samo pop savršenstvo nego i potpuna enigma. Kako nešto ovako lijepo i na površini bezopasno može kroz takav mrak u sebi.

What a lovely collection of songs from my youth, 5 stars for creating good memories.

weird how I recognized so many of these songs. Just fun and lighthearted all the way through. You get a real 60-70's vibe from this whole listen, like you're actually in a different era.

Surprisingly great! I knew the hits but the rest was like an Austin Powers soundtrack. Very groovy baby yeah and not just because they cover “I’ll never fall in love again”.

Carpenters always make me feel wistful in a happy way. Their voices are so... powerful to me and my emotions. I don't know what it is but they've always affected me so much. This album is like homemade pie. There's the whipped cream, it's light and fluffy and cool and sweet. But then underneath that, there's a warm center and flaky edges. It's the perfect combination and it's never a bad time for it. I wish I could make everyone experience it the way that I do. I know it's truly magic to my ears. My mom loves the carpenters too, I think she must have played it for me in utero or something because it's always been this way for me. The harmonies, the accents of horns and piano without it being overbearing. Karen Carpenter's voice. It's all perfect. She died much too young and it's always haunted me in the same way her voice does. I wish they could've made music even longer. I don't even need to finish this album to know I'm going to rate it 5 stars. I want this on vinyl, I want to slow dance to it in the kitchen. I want to hear it when I wake up in the morning. This album makes me feel like everything might be okay in the world.

This was fucking amazing

Love it!!

Me encanta este disco, me causa una preciosa sensación de estar en las nubes.

I didn't expect to like it, but of course I do. I might not put this on at a party, but I think there's still a lot going on here to enjoy. It's not just the lead singer’s voice which is beautiful, rather all the harmonies are too. The songs are simply not simple. I also didn't expect to hear so many Beatles covers, but actually the vocals are similar in a way that they layer them. I think you also have to appreciate all of the orchestra that's playing with them. Every song is full of instruments playing beautiful little licks, like, walking through flowers or something stupid.

5/5

This one is really surprising me. May be my first 5.

Really glad to get this one today. Most of my childhood was spent listening to The Carpenters. My mother loved them, she had the most extensive collection of their records, tapes and CDs. I know the lyrics to pretty much all of their songs. Even driving 3 or 4 hours to our holiday destination we would listen to The Carpenters. Shall always remind me of my mother. Karen's voice is so lovely, their musicianship is amazing. Shame to have lost her so early. This is a great album, with some wonderful tracks. There is some bias, but I don't care, it gets a 5 anyway. (and I'm a metal head)

Honestly fire

Karen's voice is like a warm hug

This kind of album isn't my thing but I can respect it. There's enough variety in there and the harmonies are immaculate!

Haters will never understand

Sublime pop mastery.

Awesome, what a lovely voice.

Took me by surprise with how much I enjoyed it. Her vocals were fantastic, and for 40 minutes of this slower ballad style, I didn't get bored at all. Will be returning to multiple songs on here for sure.

Magnificent! Apart from cover version of Help!!

A time capsule of love. Still lingering in the 60s this album is entirely about love and cherished feelings it brings. A wholesome album that doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. Strange that the two biggest hits were in the middle and latter half of the album. I wonder if they even knew the acclaim the two songs would bring the group. Although its a 70s album I feel it captures the sounds and ideas of the 60s perfectly. 9/10

We’ve Only Just Began, immediately what a stunning voice. The choir that joins her, beautiful. “we start out walking and learn to run”. The melody is dynamic and subtle. The instrumentation just holds the lyrics gorgeously, floats you along the story being told. Love Is surrender, my goddd the harmony is perfect, there’s crescendos into the most tightly knitted chorus of voices. “you can’t cover up the past, Just pretending will never last, Without love you are nothing at all.” I don’t love the idea of surrender for love but i have to admit that parts of you most likely has to. Maybe it’s You, truly cinematic. Could still be used for film some 53 years later. “Only a fool would want to leave the paradise that i’ve found whenever you’re around” Romance is always written about, but when you find the people that can make cliches so special, you’ve found real artists. Reason to Believe, a small genre shift, to a stronger country sound. Manipulative behaviour is being discussed in a nuanced way. Even after being lied to, infactuaction, sadly can still exist. “If you took the time to change my mind, I’d find a way to leave the past behind” Help, a beatles cover done very well in my mind. It’s hard to cover them. They haven’t messed with the bones of it, they’ve just added what they do best to it. Chorus vocals of tight harmonies. Focused on vocals at the forefront, but the tight playing of the instruments obviously make it come alive. The drums for me are the best aspect, such a strong groove all the way through and the fills are fabulous. (They Long To Be) Close To You! A classic, elegant love song. Again the perfect example of what I mentioned earlier. If you can write cliche after cliche, but wrap it up in stunning melody, harmony and backing vocals, you are talented. “So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold, And starlight in your eyes of blue”. If you’re in love I dare you to not crack a smile while listening to this, I think you’ll lose. Baby It’s You, this is sad. You can’t stop yourself loving someone even if they don’t feel or act the same. There’s anger in this vocal performance that I like, because I haven’t heard it yet. And it reinforces this situation is horrible and frustrating for any person. The sax solo is a great choice, well tbh sax rarely makes a song worse. I’ll Never, this isn’t my favourite cover. I do have to admit that this song has been tainted for me by a comic called Peter Kay, it is funny. Aside from all that I can’t say it’s not a good cover, again they definitely meticulously arrange everything they do, down to the quaver rests. Crescent Noon, this is 1000% the best vocal performance on the album?! the range she reaches, both high and low. It’s more understated in arrangement and therefore i think underrated. I know as a singer, this would be such a dark horse of a song to cover. She makes it sound effortless. Also the concept is magic. “You and I were, Born like the breaking day ….Slowly, we’ll fade into A sea of midnight blue And a falling crescent noon.” Anything beautiful will always transform, for better or worse. Mr. Guder, has musical theatre core. “You’ve blown your life just playing a game, Where no one wins but everyone stays the same”. For me an image of a man in power in corporate America. This arrangement is haunting, extremely fitting as always. I Kept On Loving You, the manipulation is here again! A song for all spineless men that crawl back after fucking off (you can tell i’m bitter!). Again great arrangement, very nice to hear the rich male tones singing. The last song, Another song. With poetic lyrasism and ever expanding instrumentation they close this album. What sounds like an enjoyable jazz jam leaves you wanting more. I simply had fun listening to this, want it on vinyl, want to learn songs. Also the album art is adorable. This records a 5 for me.

I looooooooooooove them

A smooth and warm slice of the 70s courtesy of Burt, Beatles and even the Carpenters at times. I love Karen and her voice and although her story is sad it still comforts me to know things were so sugary and sweet if only for a short time.

For nostalgic value

I’ve always loved (They Long To Be) Close To You because of it’s use in The Simpsons; it is without a doubt Marge and Homer’s song and for that it’ll always have a place in my heart. The rest of the album though is, I don’t want to say a mixed bag because none of it is actively bad, I just think Karen Carpenter works best when singing songs of love and longing rather than heartbreak, which is possibly ironic given her personal life, but I don’t want to go there. So much of our experience with these albums we’ve undertaken to listen to over the course of three and a bit years will be unavoidably tied up with the experiences we’re having outside of the generator. I know there are albums I’ve given harsher ratings to than I would have if I’d have been in a good mood that day, and vice versa. I’m currently in a good place with a girl I’ve been crushing on for a long time, and so listening to Close To You while walking around town after talking to her, I was grinning ear to ear and going all Gene Kelly in Singin’ In The Rain on the lamp posts. I must’ve looked a right idiot to anyone watching, but I didn’t care. And for that, despite the fact I think it really only deserves a four, Close To You is a five. If life is our experience, whatever that may mean, then the experience I had with The Carpenters was overwhelmingly positive

Karen Carpenter almost became Karen Chutney! Karen & Ken Chutney. Marriage made in heaven. Shame. I miss her. 4.7

yeah

Pre-listening thoughts: 💔 Karen Carpenter’s story makes me so so sad. But her voice is so beautiful and Richard is such a talented arranger. I bet this will be good. Post/during listening thoughts: convinced that everyone who dislikes this hates pop and hatessss women. I love my contraltos yall carry the world on your shoulders. (They Long to Be) Close To You always makes me really wistfully sad but like in a good way if that makes sense? “What do you get when you kiss a guy? You get enough germs to catch pneumonia” might be one of the greatest lyrics in history (lesbian speaking here so I might be biased). The harmonies in all of these songs are just so lovely. I love you Carpenters 🫶 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yeah Fav tracks: We’ve Only Just Begun, Love Is Surrender, Help, (They Long To Be) Close To You, I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, Mr. Guder, I Kept on Loving You (should I just have said this was a no skip album??? Maybe idk but I thoroughly enjoyed this) Least fav tracks: no

Amazing

A reminder of my childhood and first dance at our wedding.

She had a great voice that could cut through the rest of the music.

I could listen to Karen Carpenter forever. Such a beautiful voice. Great collection of songs. Top marks from me.

One of my all-time favorite Altos. Karen has such a smooth and sultry voice! These are great songs and a very chill album.

Truly one of the masters of music for this short lived brilliant couple

What a voice!

love

Album top de una voz celestial y élfica

Brought back memories

I love the silkiness of the vocal harmonies. Something about 1960s pop just always is so soothing.

Simply "THE VOICE". Never be another one like her....additionally, as a young drummer this was the first group where I could play along...extra points for that!

Man I like Karen Carpenter's voice. Bubbly album, light hearted and fun to listen to. Close to You is great here, but I also really liked we've Only Just Begun, Mr. Guder, and Another Song.

What a beautiful album. Lovely harmonies and Karen's drumming is insane, especially on the closing track

Its not perfect but its pretty close - would likely be around a 4.75 Its clearly targeted to a very specific audience which is resulting in some low scores but I don't think this is a flaw in itself

I’m unsure how many Carpenters songs I could name, but I do know that I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve heard so far. I have a feeling that my dad told me when I was a kid that they were one of his favourite artists when he was a kid, but I very well could have made that up. Songs I already knew: We’ve Only Just Begun, Help, (They Long To Be) Close To You, I’ll Never Fall In Love Again Favourites: literally all of them (but extra for Close To You) This album might just be one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard. Close To You gave me full body goosebumps and brought a tear to my eye. Karen Carpenter’s voice is so soft and angelic, like an auditory blanket of soothing sleepiness. I can’t fault anything here. It’s just so lovely.

<3

Being quite familiar with greatest hits compilations of the Carpenters, I was quite blown away at how much I loved every single song on this album that I'd never listened to. Adored, in fact. It's such a wonderful collection of interesting songs and styles, all with that Carpenters magic. This one should have been with me a long time ago.

Just lovely. The voice of an angel, I tell you.

Beautiful. A wonderful Christmas gift!

I haven’t listened to this album in its entirety for a very, very long time - and I feel like I’m appreciating it for the first time. The MONSTER hits on this album cast a huge shadow that, until today, had obscured much of what The Carpenters have created from me. Help is the best cover of that song rivaled only by Tina Turner’s version. But no less amazing is the cover of Baby It’s You. It’s so wistfully beautiful - like a totally different song. And can anyone else consistently can stand up next to Dionne Warwick when performing Burt Bacharach/Hal David tunes? Richard Carpenter’s contributes some incredible songs to the album. Crescent Noon is beautiful. Mr. Gruter is early 70s baroque perfection arranged perfectly. Paul Williams’ compositions are in the best possible hands here as well. Who knew that a bank jingle could become a cultural staple (We’ve Only Just Begun)? Sappy & sentimental in the best possible way - only a cold-hearted grinch couldn’t relate to this song at one time or another. It’s easy to take this for granted, but you are the worse for it if you do. But I keep going back to those John Bettis/Richard Carpenter compositions again and again. They are inventive and surprising to me and certainly something I have underappreciated and overlooked until today. I keep finding myself drawn to them. Perhaps Richard Carpenter felt ultimate artistic freedom in crafting those arrangements because they are some of the most creative arrangements around. These ethereal masterpieces wait to be discovered in the shadows cast by Close To You and We’ve Only Just Begun. In some ways today I’m just realizing there is a whole lot more to The Carpenters that I’ve only just begun to hear.

had a crush on Karen

Great

10/10 holy shit, first Carpenters album I’ve heard and it’s such a masterpiece favorite track was probably Mr. Guder, and I loved the way it transitioned into the final two tracks

she was so beautiful but she couldn't see it...

I remember my mum telling me one of my friends reminded her of Karen Carpenter. I told my friend only to get the response "didn't she die from anorexia?". Oops.

Fantastic album, slow and melodic without being boring

Lovely. It feels timeless and elental. Masterpeice start to finish.

Reminds me of music with my mom

5/5 I'd give this 5/5 just for CTY and WOJB. Two of the most perfect songs ever recorded.

How can you not like The Carpenters? Didn't know they covered Help! though.

I was incredibly excited to get this album today. I enjoy a lot of soft rock, but somehow, I've never listened to this album. I've heard "We've Only Just Begun" and "Close To You," but I've never really kicked back and actually listened to them. I've heard that Karen Carpenter has one of the best voices of all time, and after listening to this album, I would strongly agree with that statement. Her vocals were absolutely perfection on every track, and each song here was a joy to listen to. Richard Carpenter's vocals, when they seldom appear, are also really nice, but he definitely can't compete with his sister. The instrumentation here may not be much, but that's exactly what this album needed, so that Karen's vocals could shine. I usually like it better when people write their own music, but that didn't bother me here. This isn't the type of album that I'm likely to listen to frequently, but when I'm in the mood for something gentle and pleasant, I'll have no problem firing this up. I had a wonderful time listening to this.

Karen Carpenter deserves the world.

Massively underrated band. This is the evolution of what Brian Wilson was doing on Pet Sounds and deserves recognition as such.

It’s really good.Close to you is such a good song.I also like the opening track and mr guda. Karen’s voice is amazing.It never gets annoying as well which is crazy because how happy and airy the album is.But there is so much complexity and different parts to the songs it’s crazy.

Fun album! Little Bit of baroque pop, little bit of folk rock. Great harmonies. That last song is bizarre but not unwelcome!

It's the Carpenters, absolutely for me.

I did not know how much I’d enjoy this. Karen Carpenter is incredible and I never knew that or anything about the tragedy that was her early death.

This is an extremely good post cry listen, feels very soft and comforting. Love her voice, definitely adding this album to my music.

A very beautifully sounding album. Cannot go wrong with this one! Such a nice listen all the way through. One of the most powerful drummers to exist and was forced to tone it down for this one but did it so well, not having Karen on all drums is a crime but it didn’t take away from the softer sounds of this album and brought her beautiful voice to front and center. Great album and great listen!

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: We’ve only just began, Love is surrender, Reason to believe, Close to you, I’ll never fall in love again, Crescent noon

Started off feeling like a classic folk album, but the ability for almost every song to peak in the middle of it was so good. Her voice is amazing and left me wanting to just keep listening, and felt like great music.

Timeless.

Great soft, light rock

Fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥 straight heat

Austin Powers stans rise up. Honestly I’ve loved everything I’ve heard from Carpenters and I’m glad I’ve heard this. This is easily one of my favorites from this list. I love Karen’s voice and the melodies are entrancingly beautiful. 5

One would think that the sound of the Carpenters would be from meticulous plodding in the studio for perfection. However, this was thrown together to capitilize on the strength of the title tracks release and success as a single. It also happens to be their best album. Sometimes inspiration is more important than perfection and can lead to the second without all the planning.

nice

It's such a mellow album. Really like their chill energy

I thought the carpenters were just this lame band that exclusively played slow, boring love songs, and that Karen wasn’t that good of a singer. I was very wrong

So, wasn't expecting to mike this as much as I did. Saccharine, maybe, but sort of perfect pop

Lush and huge

Wonderful album, amazing

What can I say other than it’s filled with back to back Smooth Radio classics

I LOVED IT SM

Burt bacharachs writing and Linda’s voice

Mellow.

5 I just love this album. "Close To You" has been with me for a long time, and always makes me think of my mom, like a lot of other music on this list, but this song beats most. Also "Reason to Believe" caught me off guard. I've listened to Tim Hardins song A LOT especially Karen Daltons and Rod Stewarts version and it hit me so hard the first time I heard it in "Every Picture Tells a Story". Hadn't heard "Help" and "Another Song" before, and they both really positively surprised me. I was scared the whole thing was going to be way too sweet, but you can really feel both their musical presence, and it's so endearing.

Great album. Loved every song. The vibe of this album was immaculate. I am glad I listened to it.

Trop bon. Une decouverte pour moi aussi fou que ca peut l'être. 5*

As the two singles compilations are perfect, I usually do not listen to regular albums of the Carpenters. However, some of these are excellent too, like this one. First half is perfect (5*). Second half has a decent share of 5* moments, but is perhaps a little inconsistent. Overall: 5*.

For some reason I never seem to think "Oh boy, I really want to listen to The Carpenters today," but every time I do they draw me in like no other. The arrangements are just perfect, every texture and layer absolutely decadent. And Karen herself is a magnificent gem, of course. This was simply a delight.

I really enjoy the soft sound, catchy writing, and the combo of the pair's vocals. Plus, Help was a very welcome surprise well executed.

A wonderful record. Beautiful voices and upbeat music make Close To You radiate with joy and optimism of the early 70s. Splendid. Highlight: whole album, really

Naprawdę mi się podobało. Nie tylko głosy 2 wokalistów fajnie się łączyły, ale wiele piosenek miało niesamowicie chwytliwe melodie. Do tego te skrzypce niekiedy. Spoko albumik, myślę że nawet dam 5, bo choć muzycznie to nie jest rewolucja, to słuchało się bardzo przyjemnie

Mom is wrong the Carpenters are good

you can see the flares, and the inserting of the cassette into the beat up car heading on the road trip, and the singing of the school choir and it seeming a bit naff but the songs are great and its jazzier than you think

Whoa! These harmonies. There's also an interesting balance of these very familiar timbres paired with more challenging songwriting. It's like a really intimate, heavy ballet. Favorite Tracks: Love is Surrender, Mr. Guder, I'll Never Fall in Love Again

The album is psychedelic pop. It has elements inspired by the Beatles. My favorite tracks are “Help” and “Another song.” It’s very experimental.

Perfect winter album.

slaps

i mean... it's the carpenters

Finally some real stars

4.5

Fav songs: - Maybe It's You - Help - (They Long To Be) Close To You) - Crescent Noon

Ша ла ла ла и ОУОУ

Loved the Beatles cover.

Really enjoyed it. Best album this generator has provided thus far. Karen’s vocals are immense 👍🏾 One of them albums where you’ve heard the songs already

Expectedly pleasant.

Mejor que cualquier disco de Fleetwood Mac cocainómano pop.

Que gran disco. Wholesome. Me parece que nunca había apreciado lo conmovedor que suena el hitazo close to you, no tanto por la letra, sino que la instrumentación y la voz están muy chidas. Además de esa, me gustó bastante Mr Guder que contrasta con el resto del disco pues llega sonar algo creepy y el energético final another song, suena como a que un estado de felicidad tranquila y movidita a la vez al final del disco. Mood: el día en el que tú naciste (the angels got together?) nacieron todas las flores

Liked this a lot more than I was planning to!

Okay, I get the need to include the Carpenters in the book. The duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter was one of the most prolific groups in the pantheon of easy-listening music. That much is evident on their second record, Close to You, with songs characterized by Richard's classically trained keyboard playing, Karen's subtle percussion, and the two of them harmonizing their vocals impeccably well. I was genuinely amused by how nuanced Karen's vocal performance was close to the mic, which is likely why she sang most of the tunes. Though not to be outshone by her sister, Richard did a superb job taking the lead on the jaunty harpsichord-driven "I Kept on Loving You". Not to mention, there are a few well-inspired renditions, such as their takes on The Beatles' "Help" and Dionne Warwick's "I'll Never Fall in Love Again". Granted, this album is cheesy to a fault, as many songs follow a pattern to the Carpenters' brand of breezy soft pop, largely centered around the ins and outs of relationships, with few exceptions. Those exceptions would be The Beatles' "Help", about the band's rise to success, and Richard's original tune "Mr. Guder" about the grind of everyday work life, inspired by the siblings' old boss at Disneyland who fired them for playing contemporary songs when they worked at the park. It's certainly a poignant song with a cool background story, but that's a rarity on here. I wouldn't say this record was mindblowing overall. But, I can comfortably say I had a good time with the Carpenters' Close to You. Of course, it sucks to say that the Carpenters' story would end tragically, with the death of Karen due to anorexia, spurred on by the pressures of fame. It's not a pleasant note to go out on, but at the very least, she and her brother left their mark on history with these songs together.

гармониииии очень богато, плотно, приятно вокал очень хорош и не надоедает есть динамика и разнообразие есть хитяра хитейший 3.9-4.1

I'm sorry! Close To You gives me feels! I know it's cheesy but why do stars fall down from the sky?????? They want to be close to you!!!! thats so beautiful!!!

Love these classic albums. Not quite a 5.

RIP Karen. I wasn't particularly in the mood for a happy romance forward album such as this today, but I'm going to try and not let that cloud my judgement. It's very wholesome, nice harmonies, and Karen is an OG.

I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. It was bit of a slow start but they really picked it up in the back half there. Groovy spacey kind of vibe.

I think the Carpenters are a wonderful band (or maybe duo would be better.) They're like the masters of pop music; truly pop at it's most perfected point. This album is - like I reckon all Carpenters songs are - very delicate and soft and luscious. I think if clouds could make sounds, it would sound like a Carpenters song. I just feel so at peace with these batch of songs. I really like their interpretation of "Help!," very magical and refreshing take on a classic song. Karen is also an amazing drummer, I specifically like the drumming on the songs, "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" and "Another Song." All in all, I definitely recommend this album. A solid 4 album. Highlight Song/s: "We've Only Just Begun", "Help!", "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" and "Mr. Guder"

The definition of easy listening Ill Never Fall in Love Again is a classic. The Help cover is great. Its all good

Liked this!

was looking forward to this, the title track was in my current rotation for a while before this and i love what frank ocean did with it too. karen's voice is so beautiful, didn't know she was the drummer too... rip karen you were so cool

I quite liked this album. The vocals were very easy to listen to.

I really liked this. The songs are so lush and beautiful. The lyrics are pretty thoughtful. The cover of Help is better than it should be. It's more upbeat than I thought music-wise.

I might be in a good mood, but this was comforting

While I recognize the Carpenters' name as this huge beast at the beginning of the modern music industry, my brain wasn't matching the name with the projects so this was a fun album to get into. It took a few minutes to realize what the title track was, and it's a beautifully composed piece that I love to hear different covers of, it's possibly one of my favorite standards. On that note, I respect a lot of these songs because of the direct inspiration so many decades afterwards, versions that are definitely better than the ones in this album. I actually find it funny that one of my favorite tracks here was their cover of the Beatles' Help! The rest of the album does great keeping a style and concept, even though I could see it being annoyingly dated. I think I like it because it's like a low sodium version of Sergio Mendes. At the end of the day it's a very enjoyable track list. I don't know if I'd buy the record if I had it in front of me.. 3.65/5

Released in August 1970, *Close to You* was the Carpenters' breakthrough album, transforming them from a modest A&M act into one of the defining pop phenomena of the 1970s. The record captures the duo at the precise moment they refined their signature sound: lush, meticulously arranged soft pop built around Karen Carpenter's contralto voice and Richard Carpenter's ornate orchestrations. --- ### Lyrics & Themes The album's thematic center is romantic idealism—longing, devotion, and the promise of new beginnings. The title track, "(They Long to Be) Close to You," is essentially a love poem built on whimsical imagery ("Why do birds suddenly appear / Every time you are near?"), delivered with a sincerity that prevents the lyrics from collapsing into pure kitsch. "We've Only Just Begun," originally written for a bank commercial, became an anthem of marital optimism, its lyrics framing love as an open-ended journey rather than a destination. The original compositions by Richard Carpenter and lyricist John Bettis reveal more nuanced emotional territory. "Maybe It's You" explores tentative vulnerability—"Maybe it's you, maybe it's me / Maybe it's just the weather"—while "Mr. Guder" functions as a surprisingly pointed satire of corporate conformity, inspired by a Disneyland supervisor who fired the duo for playing unauthorized songs. "Crescent Noon" and "Another Song" venture into more abstract, almost melancholic territory, suggesting the emotional complexity beneath the album's polished surface. The covers are selected with thematic coherence. Tim Hardin's "Reason to Believe" introduces a note of wounded skepticism into the romantic landscape, while the Bacharach/David compositions ("Close to You," "Baby It's You," "I'll Never Fall in Love Again") anchor the album in the sophisticated pop tradition of the 1960s. --- ### Music & Production Richard Carpenter's production and arrangements are the album's architectural foundation. He constructed what would become the Carpenters' sonic blueprint: multi-tracked vocal harmonies, prominent piano and Wurlitzer electric piano, layered string arrangements, and carefully placed brass accents. The flugelhorn solo by Chuck Findley on the title track—often mistaken for Herb Alpert—adds a distinctive melancholy color that elevates the arrangement beyond standard pop fare. The production is characterized by its **immaculate cleanliness**. Every element is precisely placed: Karen's voice sits close to the microphone, creating an almost conversational intimacy; Richard's backing vocals provide harmonic padding without competing for attention; the rhythm section (featuring session legend Hal Blaine on drums) maintains a steady, unobtrusive pulse. This was studio craftsmanship at its most refined—music designed to sound effortless through immense effort. The album's structural diversity prevents monotony. "Love Is Surrender" incorporates jazz-inflected piano and alternating lead vocals between Richard and Karen. "Another Song" closes the album with an extended, multi-sectional composition featuring sophisticated chord changes and what one reviewer described as a "snazzy, jazzy multi-part odyssey" that showcases Karen's drumming abilities. The Beatles' "Help!" is radically reimagined with rock organ and choral elements—a polarizing choice that some critics found inspired and others considered saccharine. --- ### Influence & Legacy *Close to You* established the template for 1970s soft rock and adult contemporary music. The album's commercial success—propelled by two million-selling singles—demonstrated that meticulously produced, harmony-rich pop could dominate the charts even as rock music grew heavier and more aggressive. The Carpenters' influence extends across multiple generations and genres. Their harmonic approach influenced indie pop, and the 1990s saw a critical reappraisal driven by alternative rock figures like Sonic Youth and filmmakers such as Todd Haynes. The *If I Were a Carpenter* tribute album (1994) featured alternative artists covering their material, confirming their status as something more than mere easy-listening fodder. As one reviewer noted, the album "proved that even something that could be classified as 'poppiest of the pop' could be amazing." The record also holds tragic historical weight. The perfectionism that defined the album's sound—the polished surfaces, the controlled emotions—would later be read as ironic counterpoint to the siblings' private struggles with addiction (Richard) and anorexia (Karen). This biographical shadow has complicated critical reception, with some listeners finding the music's brightness either deeply moving or unsettlingly artificial depending on their awareness of what followed. --- ### Pros - **Karen Carpenter's voice**: Her contralto remains one of the most distinctive and technically accomplished instruments in pop history—warm, precise, and emotionally resonant without theatrical excess. - **Arrangement sophistication**: Richard Carpenter's orchestrations balance accessibility with musical complexity, particularly on tracks like "Another Song" and "Mr. Guder." - **Song selection**: The covers (Bacharach/David, Tim Hardin, Beatles) are chosen to showcase the duo's interpretive strengths while maintaining thematic unity. - **Production values**: The recording quality and mix clarity set standards for the era; the intimacy of the vocal sound remains impressive. - **Cultural impact**: Two of the 1970s' most enduring pop standards ("Close to You," "We've Only Just Begun") originated here. ### Cons - **Emotional uniformity**: The album's relentless gentleness can feel claustrophobic; as critics have noted, there is "absolutely no edge," which may alienate listeners seeking grit or tension. - **Cover-heavy tracklist**: With only four original compositions, the album sometimes feels more like a curated collection than a fully realized artistic statement. - **Dated sonic signifiers**: The heavy use of Rhodes piano and specific string arrangements firmly anchors the album in 1970, which can read as either nostalgic charm or sonic limitation depending on taste. - **The "Help!" cover**: The reimagining of the Beatles classic remains divisive—some find it inventive, others consider it a misfire that exemplifies the album's tendency toward excessive sweetness. - **Lyrical simplicity**: The romantic idealism that defines the album can read as naive or shallow, particularly to contemporary ears accustomed to more complex emotional expression in pop music. --- *Close to You* is ultimately a study in refined craft over raw innovation. It doesn't break new ground so much as perfect existing territory—the intersection of Brill Building songwriting, Bacharach-style sophistication, and California studio precision. Whether that perfection represents pop artistry at its peak or a gilded cage of emotional restraint depends largely on the listener's tolerance for beauty without abrasion. What remains undisputed is the album's historical significance: it captured a sound that would define an era, for better and occasionally for worse.

Really well arranged. A few fun covers. Good album closer. All that said, feels like music for people that don't do drugs. 3.5 rounded up

Cheesy as heck and that’s why I like it.

Timeless classic Wonderful voice from ms carpenter and creative drumming

Couple of hits on here that I didn't expect. Usually when I get an artist I'll be on their Spotify and read their bios. Here they mention that Karen's arrangements in the music were usually stellar and I have to agree, she really layered this nicely with a lot going on. Good voice, good drumming (I know that's largely her too). Fine album

What a beautiful album. Sounds like it is made for a fairytale

Despite how cheesy it sounds sometimes, the harmonies are on point you have to admit that.

Lush harmonies. Some arrangements brilliant, others not to my liking.

Great songwriting and vocals from the Carpenters, a little twee perhaps, but the songs are so memorable. Although Richard was an accomplished writer the album is almost entirely covers, but it gave them their big commercial break.

Música suave, agradable, fácil. Voz nítida. Buen álbum.

Lovely Karen Carpenter- what a waste…..such beautiful harmonies, great album, we could’ve enjoyed so much more

really solid project, very emotional tunes supported by amazing arrangements and vocal performances the melodies flow so well, nobody is trying to do too much, the percussions keep simple and steady grooves and the brass and strings give some dimension when needed, but the sum of the parts achieves a truly accomplished sound

I stayed after writing my last review and wow so excited for this. So easy and fun to listen to. There is not much else to say. The instrumentation carries as it should. The beatles cover is fun. The highlight is Another song and Mr Guder. This is just so fun and I want to listen to this under the sun on a summer evening with friends.

I listened to his album for the first time half a year ago after picking up a cheap copy in decent condition at a record fair. The vocals are just so good on it, and they do their renditions very well. The title track is such a classic and heart-wrenchingly beautiful. We've Only Just Begun is another great one. Such a talented duo.

Classic hits. ★★★★

This is a really lovely album. They have suffered a lot over the years with a stigma of being MOR but this is beautiful.

Lovely record. The harmonies, song structures, Karen's vocals, along with the drumming and the covers. A must!

Why do birds suddenly appear? Probably because it's about to nick your ice cream at the seaside. Where do I start with this 70's phenomenon? Do I like this? Sort your self out. What, I liked it? Well maybe a bit. Was it nostalgia? Possibly fibromyalgia. That doesn't explain what I stayed awake through it. You enjoyed it really didnt you? I cannot possibly comment.

Ключиком ко мне оказался кавер на Beatles.

una joyita

найс, вайбово, понравились многоголосья.

What a nice surprise. I’d only heard the hits and I thought they were a sappy 60’s band. But she is an incredible drummer and the arrangements are perfect. And the lyrics are so dark! No wonder many modern bands cover them; it’s great music

So much sadder than I’d realized. After I finished this album I went back and listened to the ‘94 cover album with Sonic Youth and Sheryl Crow and Babea in Toyland. I wonder if Karen Carepenter wouldn’t have been better suited for a noisy 90’s band- as a drummer and a singer. But alas, her mental illness would have been chasing her either way.

Amazing album, Karen's voice cannot be replicated, and she embodies the feeling so well. These set of songs feel lovely and joyful, yet with such hits as Close To You and We've Only Just Begun makes this one a legendary one.

Great album and lovely songs. Karen Carpenter was exceptional. I have a soft spot for this album, very sweet and melancholic. “And to prove to myself that this is the end… I taped this over our wedding video… Bye Homie…” - Marge Simpson WHY DO BIRDS SUDDENLY APPEAR

I haven't consciously listened to the Carpenters before but there's a lot of songs on here I've heard before. Definitely a classic sound. I would listen to these songs again in a lounging context, I think its really good at what its doing. The music is so fun and lively and the vocals are nice and soft

In addition to Karen Carpenter's gorgeous, crystal-clear voice--one of the best ever in pop music--these songs have great, timeless arrangements, including some unexpected Swingle Singers-type stuff, and a virtuosic flute solo at the end of the last track.

A good album, I liked We've Inly Just Begun, Help and (They Long To Be) Close To You the most.

very carpenters no doubt

I like the vibe of the Carpenters, some of the slower songs lost me, but Karen's voice is still amazing and carries the album. Favorite Track - We've Only Just Begun Least Favorite Track - Crescent Noon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a very sweet album, and I think there's plenty of room for me to grow into this. Is this album perfect? Fuck no. But it's still a beautiful listen and Karen Carpenter had a beautiful voice. I really enjoyed the cover of 'Help'. Otherwise there's not much else to unravel here. It's The Carpenters, everyone knows at least 2 of their songs - and usually they're from this record. Do yourself a favour though and look up the video of her performing "Dancing in the Street" though, where she shreds the living fuck out of those drums. I think The Carpenters should have been the world's first speed metal band. She could have been a founding member of Slayer!

Very soft and beautiful. 4/5

It's a lovely lovely listen and a very strong album. I'll say that it was the perfect choice for the very bad day I'm having. It's a collection of very strong songs arranged absolutely magically. Richard Carpenter is a killer musician and doesn't get the credit he deserves. And of course, it's a great showcase of the voice of Karen Carpenter. I believe her to be among the best singers in pop history. When I try to describe her voice I get to the conclusion that the power of it comes from the combination of the gentleness and strength. Her tone is so heavenly and clear that people tend to overlook her technique and musicianship. Among my favorites here are 1, 3, an incredible rendition to 4, 6, 7, and my favorite- 9. The closing track is my least favorite one. Also th beatles cover is not perfect. What a great little sweet thing I had a tough day, it'll be a 4.

fun and chill, oldie vibes

Throw back. And even with all of the schmaltz, just good music. Great voice…and no autotune needed. Fun trip down memory lane.

Nostalgia pushes it to a 4, and I’m just fine with that. Yes, it’s sappy, and I’m singing at the top of my lungs happily. Sap is exactly what some days need.

Solid 4 stars, maybe more if I listen again. Amazing talent, pretty cheesy in parts but overall really great. Her voice was fantastic and great harmonizing throughout. I didn't know she was a drummer too, and watching some videos of her performance in the late 60s shows she was super talented singing and drumming.

Ridiculously "Awww shucks!" That being said, the vocal harmonies are incredible. The performances are fantastic. The closing song, "Another Song" is downright proggy. "Mr. Guber" is the gentlest roast song ever, but it's a wild ride. Is this an album I'll listen to again? Maybe. Not often, though. Still, I'm going with 4 stars.

4 1/2 Stars: 'We've Only Just Begun' was my parents wedding song, so already I'm a little bit biased. But is there a better voice in the history of music as good as Karen's? I think not. And damn, the production on this is so tight and clean. I love all those vocal blends.

Excellent

Smooth easy listening to her voice

The Carpenters are so lame they’re awesome.

unlike the members of the band, this album absolutely fucks

Felt like a very quick listening experience today with this album's length, but I loved its soft, soothing sound, like relaxing into a hot bath at the end of a long, cold day. I'm surprised I hadn't heard more of this album, particularly with '(They Long To Be) Close To You' being featured in so many soundtracks. Rating: 4.

Couldn’t really get into it, but her voice is very soothing.

carpenters were something else, so talented, what a joy to listen to

Sup dudes, J-dawg here. I'll be doing things like giving Motorhead 1 stars and the Carpenters 4 stars, so buckle the f up.

Reminds me of my mom

Thought this was going to be much more of a cheese fest, but was surprised by the layers. And yeah, what a voice. Reminded me of Beach Boys at times.

TikTok song jumpscare. Just a soft easy listening album on the surface, but the harmonies are beautiful and it's easy to sink into

It’s impossible not to cry during We’ve Only Just Begun when you consider how tragically short Karen Carpenter’s life was

Joyful

C'est assez convenu en général, mais c'est doux et ça s'écoute bien en background. Ça a vraiment bien fait en background en prenant une bonne douche chaude avec des chandelles post-inventaire annuel. Ça me permet sûrement de sur-classer l'album. Il y a des morceaux assez surprenant comme Mr. Guder qui vont aller chercher des trucs un peu plus funky au niveau des harmonies et des timbres, quasiment comme un clin d'oeil au prog qui naissait alors... Mais on peut tu parler du cover? Je connaissais pas le band et j'étais sûr que c'était un couple, apprendre que c'était des frère et soeur ça m'a comme mis mal à l'aise. Peut-être que Jack White est allé chercher là son plaisir coquin à faire croire qu'il était frère avec Meg White.

De la bonne p'tite soft pop. Quand même oubliable par contre. Bien aimé la chanson classique des oiseaux qui apparaissent soudainement et le cover de Help

So good, absolutely beautiful. Even liked the Beatles cover

Karen Carpenter's voice is angelical

A wonderful little pop album with lush and delectable production, fitting very nicely up there with the likes of Pet Sounds and some Beatles work as well. The Carpenter's voices are also very very nice. Even if this album feels a bit pastiche with the late 60's-early 70's music style, I can't help but grin at the silly lyrics and quaint instrumentals that adorn this album. Truly, it's just "Nice Music" encapsulated. Don't think too hard about it.

Magnificent and beautiful are only two of many words that I could use to describe how great of an album Close To You is. Richard and Karen Carpenter are both amazing singers whose voices work incredibly well in every song, and Karen's drumming is nothing short of fantastic. 4.8/5

Very Brady Bunch vibes. Beautiful for the type of music it is, if you're into it. Smooth and lovely, with some punchy moments to drive the beat.

Favorite tracks: We've Only Just Begun, Help, I'll Never Fall In Love Again, Love Is Surrender I've always had a soft spot for this album! Karen's voice is beautiful and their lyrics are so sweet and wholesome, even if they are a little eyeroll-inducing at times. Not the most complex album, but boy is it a nice listen.

72/100. There are a lot of classics on this record. The harmonies are beautiful, the singing is warm. It’s a genuinely fun and comforting listen. Soft pop done with real skill and heart.

Three big singles in here. Cresent Noon while walking the dog in the forest was lovely.

Paul Williams is one of the best pop song writers of the 20th century. We've only just begun is a banger. And they've got a Horn in the woodwinds!

Going from hard alternative rock to a 70s lounge act was quite the transition. I am quite familiar with the Carpenters, as they were one of my mom’s favorite groups growing up, so I’ve heard most of these tunes before. Karen Carpenter had a beautiful voice, it sucks that she couldn’t get the help she needed before she passed away way too early. The album itself is pretty good, some nice arrangements and beautiful harmonies. A lot of the songs were covers. A pleasant listen that made me smile, I’ll give it a 4/5 as well

This is not my usually style, but this is bloody close to a perfect album!

Another album that I enjoyed a lot. She really did have one of the most beautiful singing voices, and it paired with their style of music beautifully. I was particularly surprised by how much I enjoyed the lesser-known tracks on this album.

Love the Carpenters

pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of this album. def low key listening but still delightful.

Very good Soft Rock Album

This had a lot of classic ballads that I have heard. I didn’t know they were by then

Fire

Breakthrough album of brother and sister act the Carpenters, this brings a lot of memories back for me as my late mother would play them all the time. So I'm familiar with most of this. Yesterday Once More and Close to You are the two best known tracks - they still sound simply marvellous, but it's a really nice listen all the way to lush closing effort 'Another Song'. Maybe this album is too polished, not edgy enough, perhaps too sweet and saccharine for some (later on they would take another twist and actually enrage some of their fans), but for me it's great and hits the right note of restraint and subtlety. They could have jammed much harder on the last track (Karen was renowned as an excellent drummer) , but refrain - it's kept short and tasteful. Other notable tracks are the haunting original composition Crescent Moon, Reason to Believe (later popularised by Rod Stewart) and a pretty dodgy slowed down version of Help by the Beatles. Though they do a much better take on Baby It's You (also covered by the Beatles), one of a few Bacharach/David compositions here. There aren't really the adjectives to describe Karen Carpenter's mesmerising voice and brother Richard's arrangements perfectly complimented them (he also sings one song here). Her anorexia and subsequent demise of course remain one of the saddest stories in music.

Classic

Valjda poznam od prej, ampak nikoli šla poslušat albume. Zmer mi je bil všeč od Karen žameten glas (wiki me sicer mal razpizdi, ker piše, da je njuna mati težila, kako naj Karen poje, ko so snemal album. Ugh.). Super začetek z "We've Only Just Begun". Lep komad. "Maybe It's You" je gorgeous. Kul priredba od "Help!" od Beatlov. "(They Long to Be) Close to You" je pač, pop balada brez napak. Mal cheesy, ampak sj to je poanta? Z razlogom je komad znan še dons. Všečna verzija "Baby It's You". "Crescent Noon" je ethereal. "Mr. Guder" je zanimiv, tak playful. Na predzadnjem komadu še Richard proba pet ("I Kept On Loving You"). "Another Song" je kul. Všeč mi je tud, da je to naslov zadnjega komada. Hud bobnanje na sred komada. Na žalost na wiki ne piše specifično na katerih komadih je Karen bobnala in na katerih Hal Blaine.

Overall pleasant but not my thing. A subjective 3 stars, an objective 4.

This is not really my type of music, but it has some classics that we all know. Karen Carpenter was extremely talented. This album has some great harmonies.

I like carpenters :)

Good band, good album.

7/10 Favorites: (They Long To Be) Close To You Baby It’s You

gentle and nice and pleasant

This album goes much harder than you'd think it would. The breakdown in Mr. Guder is sick AF.

A well executed album. The harmonies, the orchestration are sweeping. Karen’s vocals and drumming are gorgeous. 4/5

Sweet sweet melodies. I was familiar with some ("We've Only Just Begun" and "Close To You"). I ended up spotify-liking a few other tracks. It's sad to learn that Karen struggled with anorexia.

Usually I don't go for saccharine but the talent (insane ear worms, beautiful arrangements, and Karen Carpenter's gorgeous vocals) elevates everything here. I can even squint and understand the intention wasn't cloying cheese - the music feels sincere, even if the sincerity would be beyond cringey in 2026. So while this is the type of album where it's not precisely my speed, between Karen Carpenter's simply sublime vocals + the catchiness of the songs, it puts this listen *far* above average.

I was expecting this to be an album of meh with a big hit on it. And to a lesser extent it was but I still found it lovely.

*Nice 70s singer songwriter/folk album *The hits carry it, but still a solid record

Lovely album. The Carpenters are always a 70s contemporary treat.

made me realise how seriously lacking this album list has been with female musicians!!! Really loved this album

It’s really relaxed and smooth. Maybe not exactly my music but very nice to listen to.

I was quite ready to hate this, based mostly on how ridiculous Close To You is, but actually it's pretty good all told. The vocals are so on point, and the arrangements are even nice enough to make me not mind the two Beatles covers (OK, Baby It's You is technically a Shirelles cover, but you know what I mean). It's a relaxing bath - it's not exciting or new, but it's comforting and pleasant.

"Okay grandma and grandpa, let's get you to bed." 4/5

She has a nice voice and their hits were played constantly. And while I enjoyed the album, I’m done for another year.

Such a great voice and album.

Gotta give it its props, though it's a bit sweet for me. My sister listened to this a lot growing up.

Another one of the "thought no way I'd like it" - and it turned out to be pretty good. Not necessarily my genre or years, but I gave it a fair chance it and it was nice enough.

You know, I weirdly really liked this. I'm not usually one for albums like this or in this style, but somehow each song was alluring in its own ways. Maybe also familiar, I wasn't sure. Still not a ton I'd listen to on their own, but very nice.

These are some very fun, slightly cheesy love songs that sound like they belong in a classic ’90s rom-com. For some reason, that was enough to hit me right in the nostalgia bone (despite not recognizing any of these tracks) and made the whole thing a really warm, enjoyable listen. Add in the surprisingly incredible instrumental part in the closing track, and the album lands at a comfortable 4 in my eyes. Standouts: (They Long To Be) Close To You • Another Song

# Album Name: Close to you # Artist: Carpenters # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Very good album. Three massive tracks. Great vocals, quite catchy pop tunes. # Top Tunes: only just begun / close to you / never fall in love again / Mr guder # Would I listen to it again? Yes

Wow this goes - what a haunting vibe!

never really knew why but the carpenters are my mom's fav english speaking band... karen c has a really beautiful voice and i am super endeared to them because they remind me a lot of my childhood... i also often sing we've only just begun at karaoke and lemme say.. i had no idea Paul Williams wrote it .

They're very good - this was enjoyable.

Solid stuff.

Carpenters are nostalgic for me; my parents loved them. And Karen has an amazing voice.

About as light and fluffy as whipped icing and yet, holds an alluring charm.

Such a voice, and some cracking songs

A kind and gentle album very fitting for a fireplace and warm autumn leaves

Quite enjoyable to me, probably because I was never bombarded with it like quite some others seem to have been. It's songs are sweet, if not a bit sappy and cliche, but it's perfectly fun to listen to

Very chill and calming. Classic songs.

Absolutely beautiful album at least 4.5

Pleasant album, perfectly sandwiched between Sepultura and Metallica... Reminds me of a Mr. Bungle concert when they go from melting faces to playing What the World Needs is Love, then back to face melting. This is a 4.

133/1001 Carpenters - Close To You Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ✅ I guess I'm fortunate enough that clearly neither of my parents listened an awful lot to Carpenters. On first listen, this is the sort of stuff I really enjoy, the harmonies, warm and the general production. That's before Karen Carpenter's own vocals. Yeah, this deserves a re-listen.

Wasn't sure if some of these songs were covers or originals. still fun

Almost got a 3, last few songs bumped it up to a 4

Nyt oli kyllä ajalle vastinetta tämä!

Favorite Track: Reason to Believe

Ooh I really liked this!

Easy going voice and arrangements. I won’t say it’s perfect because it doesn’t bop that hard but it’s definitely good

The arrangements are beautiful. The 1970's were a long time ago, the world was different - sometimes the music seems so mild, but this was the sort of music you could listen to with your older relatives and it's still really good. I wish Karen had a happier and longer life

I feel like theres some carpenters songs I love but like listening to a whole album im slightly more indifferent.

It was a pleasant listen

karen carpenter has the voice of a freaking angel. like john denver. it’s just so pure and clear. feel like this would be a good car album. super 70s. “We’ve Only Just Begun” “Crescent Noon” “Mr. Guder”

4/5

I wish I was in a soft pop duo with my sister. The first half of this album is very good but the second is just alright, but Karen Carpenter's beautiful voice more than makes up for it. I was reading the reviews on here and I feel like they think they're too tough to really appreciate her beautiful voice because The Carpenters is very laid back, kinda dentist office-esqe music, but get off your high horse The Carpenters are pretty good and Close To You is one of the greatest and most beautiful songs ever recorded.

I know these guys. I have not listened to much of their stuff as it is a bit poppy for me. But to me this was the beginning of true pop. Not for me but I respect their catalogue and what they brought

Classy

I am a sucker for the Burt Bacharach/Hal David songs and they put two of the greatest of all time on here, Close To You and I'll Never Fall In Love Again. Some of the most likable tunes and lyrics ever made, rendered exquisitely by Karen Carpenter. I'm biased by the fact that I heard the Carpenters on the radio constantly for ten years as a child, at the age when one just becomes aware of what music is. Catchy, clever, wholesome. The swelling backgrounds, the occasional flute, tambourine, harpsichord, it's the sound of the seventies all in one place. Beautiful.

Gostei

Idk I know it’s easy to clown on the Carpenters for being cheesy but man, these are well-produced love songs sung by one of the most beautiful voices of all time. Relaxing, like a cool wind flowing over you for a half hour.

I liked when it turned into a Dave Matthews jam session during the last song

I love the Carpenters! My dad used to sing “Close to You” to me when I was a baby. I think his tune (pun intended) has changed since then. 🤪

This was a nice break from the recent albums on this list.

Loads i recognised. Not my favourite but very accomplished in its way

Schöne Oldies und n wenig Quatsch, aber insgesamt schon gut

Ganz chilly milly. Warum die Beatles covern? tut nicht not

surprised to hear a cover of help in here lol, solid album. album has passive smile vibes

7/10

Pretty irresistible pop ballads.

I like this. Stunning vocals. This is old enough that the pop to copy was the Beatles and that's a good thing. Did enjoy

It’s almost overwhelmingly sweet. But it’s catchy and well made

I really enjoyed her voice, it was soothing. It felt so comforting and familiar. It’s a venerable album, it made me want to feel the love that she felt..

Karen Carpenter's voice is a marvel—silky smooth and effortless. And while the music is impossibly clean-cut, it strikes me as authentic as it gets. The Carpenters have a stake in my own musical journey—the first two cassettes I ever owned were Kiss' Destroyer and The Carpenters' A Kind of Hush, played back-to-back on a loop for months—though I haven't spun a Carpenters album since the '70s. Not my go-to. And there are planty of places I could go ranting about the sticky saccharine of the choices and arrangements, but it's pretty clear this was the music in their souls.

Other than the two hits, I'd never heard this before. The two hits are perfect, if a bit more cheesy than I normally go for. In fact, their music is pretty much the opposite of what I normally like. It's so saccharine and devoid of soul. Well, except for Karen's voice. And man, her voice and their harmonies just do it for me. Plus, Richard was one hell of an arranger. "Close to You" is a perfect example. The Carpenters' version was the fifth attempt at making this David and Bacharach song a hit. Richard Chamberlain, Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and Herb Alpert all had a go. All great artists, but their arrangements were terrible. Richard Carpenter knew to keep things simple, give it a light swing, and let Karen's voice shine. So even if their brand of syrupy sweet music isn't your thing, the fact is, this kind of music was huge, and no one did it better than the Carpenters. The rest of the album continues in this vein. (I will say, their cover of Reason to Believe isn't nearly as good as Rod Stewart's. That song needs more soul than Carpenters were capable of.) I liked their cover of Help. Things got a bit weirder than I was expecting on that last track, which I dug. I didn't know they had that gear in them. As great an arranger as Richard was, though, man, he did Karen dirty. What a voice for the ages she had, and I'm always sad when I hear one of their songs. So yeah, they're not really my thing, but I have mad respect for them.

I am a total sucker for 1970s wholesomeness (The Magic Garden, ZOOM, Free to Be You and Me). The Carpenters play right into my love of this genre. And the fact that SHE was the drummer AND they are brother and sister who get along and make music. Be still my fucking heart. I was drawn to these two in my youth but as I got older, I started to hear what bangers they actually made---We've Only Just Begun, Superstar, Close to You, etc. I'm more than OK with the changes made to Help. Really love the organ. This album made me realize that Karen’s in my top 10 vocalist list. 4.5!

While not everyone's cup of tea, I really enjoy the Carpenters; very talented siblings with songs that have become standards. Close to You, Love is Surrender, We've Only Just Begun, and Crescent Noon are highlights, and the cover songs (Help, Reason to Believe) are executed with originality. A very pleasant and relaxing album featuring one of the best - if not THE best - female vocals in pop history.

Honestly this is a really good album. One of my favorite sorta recent music learnings is that Karen Carpenter was an insanely talented drummer. While her brother had a great voice, she’s the brightest shining talent on the album.

a nice easy listening experience have heard this before but enjoyed it more this time

I like her voice, low but super clear. Sounds like a certain cliche sound, but in the best way. The sweeping instruments and layered backing vocals sound amazing too

Best version of Reason to Believe I've heard. 4

Really good, first listen to any of their albums

Easy listening, pretty melodoes and lush harmonies.

Solid entries and liked most of the songs b

I don't get what all the hate is for on this album Big songs and a beautiful voice. It was a good one! 4 ⭐️

There are some great songs on here, help, I'll never fall in love again and crescent moon. Mr guder reminds me of a British bands i can't remember the name of

I’m kind of a sucker for the Carpenters, mostly due to listening to Rainy Days and Mondays and Top of the World multiple times as a kid. It was part of a mixtape my parents made they we played at least once a year when we went on vacation. Really happy to get a full album experience on here. Yeah, the music here tends to be very saccharine, maybe even a little cheesy. But it’s really held together by Karen Carpenter’s incredible vocals. She always had these tragically sweet and delicate voice. It makes the cheese more of a fondue to me. If it were any other band, it would probably sicken me. But with a powerhouse like Karen, the Carpenters are a nice guilty pleasure for me when comes to 70’s bands. Favorite track: (They Long to Be) Close to You Other hits: Help, We’ve Only Just Begun, Reason to Believe, I Kept On Loving You, Crescent Noon, Baby It’s You

this is beautiful string heavy pop, which i loved mostly every single track. the vocals were amazing and the vibes are just mmmmm.

It is quite a beautiful album, with Karen Carpenter's incredible and soft vocals. A classic hit in Close To You and some strangely forward drumming in Love Is Surrender. Fairly good, apart from when Richard comes on and takes away from the brilliance of Karen, but alas, a great 70s album.

Nice background music, adding a star for Close to You since it's featured in my favorite movie (Mirrormask)